Veracruz Fonda & Bar

You’ll find Veracruz Fonda & Bar on a corner in Mueller, marked by a set of large, blue entry doors just steps from the neighborhood park. This is the full-service restaurant from sisters Reyna and Maritza Vazquez, an evolution of the acclaimed Veracruz All Natural food trucks that first earned them a loyal following across Austin. The architecture is a modern reinterpretation of a traditional Mexican fonda, using materials like light plywood for screens and the bar’s ceiling to create a natural, open atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find a full bar, a dedicated coffee service area, and a large mural by artist Aurora Covarrubias. Custom-made steel sliding doors open up completely, connecting the dining room with an outdoor patio and blurring the line with the surrounding park area. While the tacos that made their trucks famous are still a core part of the menu – think Cochinita Pibil, Birria, and Al Pastor served on your choice of housemade blue corn, white corn, or flour tortillas – the kitchen goes much further here. The expanded menu is rooted in the family’s recipes from Veracruz, Mexico. Full plates include dishes with coastal influences like Mojarra Frita served with rice and plantains, or rich Mole Enchiladas. Starters get the same attention, with options like a bright ceviche or a hummus made from toasted pumpkin seeds served with fresh chips. The full bar serves handcrafted cocktails with a solid list of mezcal and tequila selections, alongside classic aguas frescas like watermelon and horchata. The space itself is comfortable, with padded chairs and bag hooks at the tables, and it works for both family meals and date nights. It’s a proper sit-down spot, and reservations are a good idea, particularly for dinner service and on weekends.